Joan and I were sorry to hear of Rays passing. I will always remember my attempt at lacrosse in Hume park with Ray and friends he was always great team player 
Bob&Joan Parrett

Linda and family,
I am very sorry to hear of Ray's passing. I was a young RCMP officer when I first met Ray. He was an exceptional officer, leader and team player who willingly and humbly shared his knowledge & experiences. He was a model and a mentor for many young members including myself. 
My condolences at this difficult time.
Forrest Spencer

My deepest condolences to Linda and her family in Ray's passing.  We who knew him were blessed to have been a part of his life.  He was an extraordinary individual who demonstrated to us all how a human being is to be treated regardless of their circumstances.  I will never forget him.   May Linda have the strength to carry on in the tradition Ray exemplified to all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.  I salute you Ray.

What can I say about Ray that has not already been said? He was one of the nicest people I have ever known. He was warm and welcoming to everyone. Always had your back if you needed something, even it was just that you needed kind word. He loved to laugh and he loved to tease.  He lived to enjoy every moment and every moment you were with him you felt the same. There was a time back in High School that a few of us were particularly close. We had so much fun often just doing the simplest things. The laughter we shared will stay with me forever.  Ray was a special person, an authentic person, a decent person and a loving person. Words cannot express the sadness I feel on his passing. I feel so very fortunate to have known him and to have been able to call him a friend. If there is any consolation, I will always be able to close my eyes and hear his laugh. That is a comforting thought. RIP my old buddy... You will be so missed.

Met Ray and Linda at the Community Gardens in Agassiz. Always a joy to talk to them both and always had a smile of their faces. Such a kind and gentle man. We are so sorry for your loss.

Linda, Aaron and Eric,

Your Dad and husband was a great man. I have very fond memories of him while we were neighbors on 40th Ave. He was always so kind and I can never forget his laugh and gentle nature about him. He loved his sports and I remember him doing his runs that he had to stay in shape for being a police officer. He did a few times come and borrow my horse to go for a ride. I always thought that was funny to watch him ride my horse. He was always such a gentleman and someone that cared about and loved his family dearly. He was ( along with Linda and the boys) the best neighbor you could ask for. We had wonderful times for the Halloween block party that we did as a neighborhood. That was so much fun. 
My condolences to you all. I will remember Ray as a very kind and helpful neighbor. He will be missed, but not forgotten. May his legacy keep going through the generations to come. Ray had the heart of gold. 
Love to you all

Maria McInroy ( Dance)
One of your neighbors on  40th Ave

My wife,  and sister-in-law Kathy Laidlaw, (former Surrey teachers)  and I were  deeply saddened to learn of Ray's passing.   Ray was a fine individual, a dedicated member of the RCMP,  who was well liked by all.   His fine character and community service were reflected  in the many, many hours Ray devoted to coaching youth in the community.   Ray was a true family man. Our sincere condolences to  Linda and the  Bennie family!!!   

Dave Woods

Very sorry to hear about Ray’s passing - condolences to the entire Bennie family. 
 I had the misfortune to play lacrosse against Ray in the WLA,  but also the good fortune to play with him in Masters lacrosse when the stakes weren’t so high. We were room-mates on a couple of road trips and I really enjoyed the time with Ray on and off the floor. He was a very gentle man, but I know he had another side to him that fortunately I did not see…
He was a good man and will be missed.

Sad to hear of Ray's passing. I bumped into Ray camping many years ago on the Sunshine Coast and we reminisced about old lacrosse days. One of the best stick-handlers to ever play the game and a wonderful fellow.

Michael McLenaghen

I was very sad to learn of Rays recent passing and offer sincere condolences to his entire family.  I got to know Ray when he was a member of the Vancouver Immigration and Passport Section back in the mid 90s. Over time, working together, he became a friend and esteemed colleague. He was a fine police officer and a great person. I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Colleague of Ray Bennie 

I had the pleasure of working with Ray at Immigration and Passport, later called Border Integrity, in the mid 90’s. 

It became clear to me when we first met that Ray was extremely popular with the membership, all for the right reasons.  He was a well respected member of the RCMP largely because of his loyalty to the Force and fellow colleagues within the police community.

His athletic accomplishments were renowned, exemplary and distinguished.  

His extraordinary commitment to his lovely wife Linda and family was beyond reproach.  

Ray will always remain in my heart for his kindness and trustworthiness.  He certainly captured my attention for his unique sincerity of being  truly genuine.

Tip of the Stetson to you Ray for bringing so much joy and happiness to everyone you touched.

(Retired)Sgt. Allan Reginald ELLARD Reg#24725

Dear Linda and family
I worked with Ray at the PRTC. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He had a mischievous sense of humor, loved life and most of all - his growing family.   Ray was a pleasure to work with and made work life fun. I will be thinking about you all. 
Fondest regards...Wendy Aune

So sorry to hear of Ray's passing.  I worked with Ray in the Immigration and Passport Section (I&P) of the RCMP.  We spent many hours commuting together back and forth to work.  Ray was a caring, kind person, who had time for everyone and truly cared for his friends and co-workers.  He will be missed.  Bless  his soul.  A good man has left us.

I had the pleasure of working with Ray at Langley Det. Great athlete, great member and most of all great guy 
Bush Halpenny

Ray did set the bar high.......and example for all of us to follow.  He will not be forgotten.   Our lives crossed for so many years, in fact we were at each others wedding.......50 plus years ago.
We are disappointed we can not attend his celebration.....we are away with Wayne and Carol Goss.    We know you will be surrounded by love.  

Steve/Barb d’Easum

I have special memories of the Bennie family when I was young. Ray was always so kind to his sisters' friends. May all the happy memories help sustain the family through this very sad time.
With out deepest sympathy.
Brad and LInda Nygard

Condolences and best wishes to Linda, Aaron and Eric (Meghan), his grandchildren and extended family.

I note Ray and I were sworn in as Constables on February 10, 1975 and retired in March, 2008. 

I recall Ray arriving at our dorm with a bruised eye. Word soon spread of his lacrosse prowess and I made sure we struck up a friendship. 

Our first postings were to our home provinces, in my case Quebec. In 1976 I was transferred to Burnaby for two years. He was a quiet man whom I respected and am grateful for his friendship. 

Donna & Henry Thompson 

PS: The photo was a Relay Bicycle Race in which six members of Troop 32 came in First. 

F:, Henry Thompson, Jurgen Seawald
B:   Darcy Golan , Robert Potvin, Race Trophy Presenter, Pierre Dupras, Ray Bennie

Ray we will always remember you as a kind and loving man, who always made time to talk to everybody even kids.  Growing up with you was an amazing experience, and certainly watching you and the men play ping pong at Christmas was an event.  Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family - you will never be forgotten - Love Carol, Ray, Katie and Cole

I worked with Ray years ago in Vancouver I&P.  He was so kind and caring. An amazing colleague! My sincere condolences to his family.

So many wonderful times spent together.  A favourite Christmas memory, Mt. Washington with Ray and the family.  
Love Mom, Gaynel, Gayle, and Peter

My deepest and sincerest condolences to Lin and the rest of Ray's family. It is with a heavy heart that I have to say good-bye to one of my dearest friends long before his 'best before date'. The memories of growing up with Ray in Sapperton, hanging at Hume & Sapperton park, the Dairy King (Shibicky's) and the hi-jinx we got into are too many to mention but not forgotten. Every time I hear  the song, Do Wah Diddy(there she was just walking down the street) by Manfred Mann, I see the vision of Ray, Al and myself walking down the middle Richmond St., late at night, and Ray singing the song at the top of his lungs. This was just after he had started dating Lin. Thankfully, he chose Lin, sports and the RCMP over a singing career.  Ray, you fought cancer the way you did everything in life, with great dignity, without complaint and letting it know it was in for a fight. It makes me immensely proud to be considered one of your friends and you one of mine. RIP my friend.

Our sincerest  condolences to all the Bennie family.  We were back lane neighbours (Garfield/Amess) and shared in many neighbourhood events over many years.  I even recall fishing trips at Loon Lake with Ann and Gem and all the family.  Ray was only 12 when I left but the Bennie family has been part of our family (Hanson) always.  Your loss is great - we send love and comforting hugs.

I had the honour to work with Ray in Langley. He was a true gentleman always had a smile and chuckle. We had some great racquetball battles.  So many people have commented that Ray was the nicest person. So true.  He will be sadly missed but not forgotten.

Dear Lin and Family

Ray was the best human!  Always kind to everyone with his cheerful smile!  I watched him play lacrosse at Hume Park where he would be so helpful to the little ones … never a cross word.  Ray was such a great natural athlete and excelled in all sports in high school.  Modest, sincere, and totally unassuming.  Lin, you had the best as you well know, and Ray will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.  Sincere condolences to you and your entire family.   Take care of each other.
Beannie Collingwood (Patchell)

Ray was a true inspiration to all us kids growing up in the neighbourhood. He quite often would help us out with our lacrosse skills in the back lane. Thoroughly enjoyed watching him play at Queens Park for the Bellies. Ray was always smiling and probably one of the nicest guys you could ever meet.
My deepest condolences to the Bennie family.

In these difficult moments for Bennie Family we share prayers and thoughts to grieve the loss of such an amazing person as Ray was. He will stay in our minds as a helpful, joyful and loving friend. He always displayed his generosity and goodwill to contribute to the wellbeing of his community; his Little Library provided so much entertainment and knowledge to so many of his neighbours. His memory will stay with us forever.
Maria Elena and Roberto

I have so many wonderful memories of Uncle Ray, alongside Aunty Linda, Aaron and Eric growing up as RCMP family friends. Without fail, the words that always followed talking about Uncle Ray were “nicest guy on Earth!!”  His smile and laugh were so kind and gentle. As an adult I often ran into him at the Walnut Grove pool, him swimming laps and me waddling around 9 months pregnant with my now 16 year old. He was in such amazing shape that I couldn’t help but think how hot he looked for an older guy. lol. Such a friendly, kind soul, and we’re all better off for having known him.

I’m so sad to hear this news. I was hoping to chat with Ray on text or see him out in the yard when driving by. I’m so sad for your loss. Ray was a great man and a great member of the force.

Ray was a dear friend and colleague. Whenever we would talk about someone being a good person we’d always qualify it by saying “he’s like Uncle Ray” - our kids called him that. A very high standard to meet. Truly a wonderful soul and the world is better for him being there. You will always be remembered “Coach.”

To Ray memories of a man who I looked up too and used his name to show others how to live help people and do the job.  Ray thank you for pulling me out of afew bad scenarios having my back, never complaining.  Wow.  To your family he is a man I respect and admire.  I don’t have the words to describe what he did for me.  ldh.

OBITUARY

Raymond "Ray" Gemmell Bennie

2 January, 1949 – 16 November, 2023

Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home

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